ISLAMABAD: Javelin star Arshad Nadeem on Tuesday said that his next goal was to grab the world record, as a state banquet was held in his honour at the PM House for securing the country’s first individual Olympic gold medal.
Earlier on Tuesday, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif visited the Olympian’s home near Mian Channu and presented him a cheque worth Rs100 million, as well as a Honda Civic with a personalised licence plate bearing the numbers of his record-breaking throw, i.e. 92.97.
Arshad, his family and coach Salman Iqbal Butt arrived at the PM House Islamabad amid protocol usually accorded to state guests, where they were received by PM Shehbaz Sharif.
Addressing the event, Arshad thanked his family and the nation for their prayers, saying they enabled him to break the Olympic record for the javelin throw event.
Gold medallist’s family honoured by premier at state banquet
“I was very happy that God bestowed me with the gold medal and we will celebrate August 14th with this. I am very happy that I’ve come to Pakistan and you’re all giving me so much love.
“I will train fully for all upcoming competitions and my next goal is … I will nab the world record.”
He called for departments to give jobs to athletes, adding that the move boosts confidence for sports players and allows them to kick off their careers.
Speaking after the Olympian, PM Shehbaz termed Arshad the hero of the nation.
“Today, the whole nation’s morale is soaring to the heavens,” he said, adding that Arshad’s “great success” had made it clear that difficulties should not be worried about but confronted with strength and confidence.
The PM also lauded Arshad’s mother for her upbringing and expressed gratitude to her. “This plant of success you’ve sown will not only become a big shadeful tree but I think it will lead to many more plants in our society whose roots will be strengthened,” he added.
Speaking during the federal cabinet meeting earlier, PM Shehbaz highlighted how Arshad overcame numerous challenges through his “unwavering effort”.
Earlier, in a press conference, Information Minister Atta Tarar said Arshad and PM Shehbaz will jointly hoist the national flag at a ceremony in Islamabad today (Wednesday) to mark Independence Day.
He also accused PTI and its supporters on social media of trying to make Arshad Nadeem controversial merely because he had expressed gratitude to PM Shehbaz for supporting him in his journey.
Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2024
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